MakerSphere annual meeting salutes volunteers, teachers, creators

September 25, 2024  |  By MK Monley 

MakerSphere staff and board.

MakerSphere’s recent annual meeting and open house at its wood shop and maker space was an opportunity for the public to tour the shop and learn more about its programs and community resources for art and making.

The Sept. 9 speakers included MakerSphere board members, woodworking instructor Lily Lukaszevicz, and eighth-grader and longtime after-school student Silvan Thompson. 

The group recognized several staff and volunteers for their commitment and contributions.

Sara Lee Terrat presents Mame with an artwork to thank her for her many years as Education Director.

Among those honored was Mame McKee, who is retiring from her position of Education Director. Her 30-plus-year career in art and making started with a pottery studio in the 1990s. Mame has taught thousands of students over the years and has sparked an interest and passion for art in everyone she meets. She will continue to be a MakerSphere teacher and volunteer. Mame was presented with a beautiful piece of artwork by Sara-Lee Terrat as part of a thank-you gift.

A Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to both Brian Schwartz and Bob Lindemann who have contributed countless hours to setting up the workshop space. The group also recognized outgoing board members Marianne Corcoran and Bob Paolini for their contributions. 

Open just over a year, the MakerSphere workshop is located at 327 U.S. Route 2 just over the Waterbury town line in Moretown. Regular classes offered there include woodworking for all levels and stained glass. A variety of additional workshops are also offered such as sandal-making, printing, mosaics, leatherwork and jewelry. 

MakerSphere student Silvan Thompson. Courtesy photo

New programs to be added soon will include woodshop membership options for community members to take advantage of the shop resources. A stained-glass membership is also planned in the coming months.

MakerSphere also continues programs at its other longtime locations at the classroom and studio at the Green Mountain Seminary Building on Hollow Road in Waterbury Center and at 30 Foundry Street in downtown Waterbury which has classroom and studio space. Some classes are also held at local schools. 

MakerSphere leaders thanked donors and sponsors for their contributions this year and emphasized the importance of funding support for the nonprofit organization for it to continue serving the community.

Learn more about MakerSphere including its current and future classes and workshops online at  makerspherevt.com.

MK Monley is president of the board of directors for Waterbury Area MakerSphere.